A Sense of Loss
I've been thinking about something lately that has been difficult to put into words. Not because it's painful—although it is—but because it's one of those experiences that seems to creep into our lives quietly. It doesn't arrive all at once. It comes in pieces. I've come to realize that what I've been experiencing is a sense of loss. Not the kind of loss that comes from saying goodbye to someone you love. Rather, it's the gradual loss of pieces of the life I once took for granted. The ability to do as much physically as I once could. The ability to bounce back after a busy day without needing a day or two to recover. Making plans without wondering, "What's this going to cost me?" I'm not talking about money. I'm talking about energy. Strength. Endurance. Sleeping through the night. Enjoying a glass of wine or a favorite drink without wondering whether I'll regret it later. There was a time when I rarely thought about my health. Now ...
